STEVE Staunton has drafted Wolves teenager Stephen Gleeson into his Republic of Ireland squad for next week's friendly international in the United States.

The Irish boss called up the 18-year-old midfielder yesterday to give him a first taste of senior action.

Gleeson has been brought in to compensate for the loss of West Brom defender Paul McShane following the Baggies' progression to the Coca-Cola Championship play-off final.

The youngster made his fourth senior appearance for Wolves as a substitute in last night's meeting between the sides in the semi-final second leg.

Staunton had intended to hand a debut call-up to Wolves striker Stephen Ward, but the former Bohemians star suffered an injury in the latter stages of last night's game.

The Irish manager has lost many of the players he originally selected for the meetings with Ecuador in New York on Wednesday, and Bolivia in Boston three days later.

"It would have been nice to have a stronger panel heading out to America but we've got to live with it," said Staunton. "I am looking at making one or two more additions but it's difficult to get somebody else in at this point."